The woodlark Lullula arborea in Britain: Population trends, distribution and habitat occupancy

This paper reports on the 1986 Woodlark survey - the only national survey of the species conducted to date - and reviews subsequent changes in British Woodlark populations. In 1986, the British population was approximately 250 pairs concentrated in 5 regions: south-west England, New Forest/Dorset, Hampshire/Surrey border, Breckland and the Suffolk coast. Habitat occupancy in 1986 differed between regions. Most Woodlarks were found in young conifer plantations and heathland, but neither of these habitats was important in the south-west where birds used a variety of habitats including marginal farmland. A higher proportion of birds used conifer plantations in East Anglia than in New Forest/Dorset and on the Hampshire/Surrey border (this difference probably reflects availability of suitable habitat). The ground vegetation of Woodlark territories differed between regions, but territories typically contained bare soil or short grass and generally < 20% shrub cover. Since 1986, there has been a marked increase in the British Woodlark population and by 1993 the population probably exceeded 600 pairs. Numbers appear to have increased in all regions except the south-west but the fastest increase has been in East Anglia where numbers have risen both in conifer forest and heathland. On the Suffolk coast, substantial numbers now occupy bath forest and heath, but in Breckland the majority remain associated with forestry. An increase in availability of suitable habitat (through storm damage in forests, restocking of forests and heathland management) and a recent run of mild winters have probably contributed to the recovery. However, in the Breckland forests numbers continue to rise despite a decreasing area of suitable habitat.